THE FIFTH TRUMPET(THE FIRST WOE) THE STAR, THE KEY, THE PIT, AND THE
LOCUSTS1815-5A-6

9:1. AND THE FIFTH ANGEL SOUNDED
(his shofar or trumpet), AND I SAW A STAR FALL FROM HEAVEN (or the sky)
UNTO THE EARTH: AND TO HIM WAS GIVEN THE KEY OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or
the shaft leading down to the Abyss-JNT134). Trumpet 5. Ref
Rev 12:9; Lk 10:18; Rev 17:8. T2.

9:1. AND
THE FIFTH ANGELSOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet). The timing
of the fifth trumpet appears to be during the Great Tribulation, after
Satan has been cast out and fallen from heaven.

AND I SAW A STAR FALLFROM HEAVEN (or the sky)UNTO THE EARTH. Who
or what is this star that fell from heaven? Often the term star
represents an angel. It is written, AND HIS (Satan’s) TAIL DREW THE THIRD
PART OF THE STARS (or angels) OF HEAVEN, AND DID CAST THEM TO THE EARTH-Rev
12:4.

During approximately the midst of the
Tribulation, it says, AND THE GREAT DRAGON (Satan) WAS CAST OUT, THAT
OLD SERPENT, CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD:
HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM-Rev
12:9. Jesus also spoke these words regarding Satan: I BEHELD SATAN AS
LIGHTNING FALL FROM HEAVEN-Lk 10:18. The word lightning (astrape)
here also means bright, shining. Note the word fall is used in
both Lk 10:18 and Rev 9:1. During this approximate period, THE BEAST (which
is the Antichrist)...SHALL ASCEND OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-Rev 17:8.
Even in today’s society, the word star is often applied to the famous
or elite.

Considering these verses, it seems that
Satan will be the star that shall fall from heaven; however, the identity
of the angel is unclear.

AND TO HIM WAS GIVEN THE KEY OF THE
BOTTOMLESS PIT (or the shaft leading down to
the Abyss-JNT134). This key would have been given to fulfill
God’s will. The bottomless pit, referred to here, is the place where the
fallen angels are kept-ref 2 Pe 2:4.

9:2. AND HE OPENED THE BOTTOMLESS
PIT (or the shaft of the Abyss JNT135); AND THERE AROSE A SMOKE
OUT OF (or from) THE PIT (or shaft), AS THE SMOKE OF A GREAT (or gigantic)
FURNACE; AND THE SUN AND THE AIR (or sky) WERE DARKENED BY REASON OF THE
SMOKE OF THE PIT (or shaft). Ref Rev 11:7; Lk 16:22-28. T2.

9:2. AND
HE OPENED THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or the shaft of the Abyss JNT135).
Satan may be the one that opens the shaft of the bottomless pit at this
time.

It may be noted that the beast also ascends
out of the bottomless pit, in Rev 11:7. In Rev 20:1, an angel from heaven
has the key of the bottomless pit. He binds Satan.

AND THERE AROSE ASMOKE OUTOF (or from)THE PIT (or shaft),AS THE SMOKE OF A GREAT
(or gigantic)

FURNACE.
The smoke may be the result of fire or burning coals. When a volcano erupts,
there is also great smoke. In the place called "hell," there
is a flame. This appears to be referring to the same place where the rich
man is being tormented-ref Lk 16:22-28. So great is this smoke that

THE SUN AND THE AIR
(or sky)WERE DARKENED BY REASON OF THESMOKE OF THE PIT (or shaft).

9:3. AND THERE CAME OUT OF THE
SMOKE LOCUSTS (came down) UPON THE EARTH: AND UNTO THEM WAS GIVEN POWER,
AS THE SCORPIONS OF THE EARTH HAVE POWER. T2.

9:3. AND
THERE CAME OUT OF THE SMOKE LOCUSTS (came down)

UPON THE EARTH.
As the pit was opened, locusts also came out. Some believe these locusts
could be demon-possessed, as they come out of the Abyss.

AND UNTO THEM WAS GIVEN POWER, AS
THE SCORPIONS OF THE EARTH HAVE POWER.

9:4. AND IT WAS COMMANDED THEM
(or they were instructed, or told) THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HURT (or harm)
THE GRASS OF THE EARTH, NEITHER ANY GREEN THING (or plant), NEITHER ANY
TREE; BUT ONLY THOSE MEN (or people) WHICH HAVE NOT THE SEAL OF GOD IN
(or on) THEIR FOREHEADS. Ref Rev 7:3,4; Eph 1:13,14; 2 Tim 2:19. T2.

9:4. AND
IT WAS COMMANDED THEM (or they were instructed, or told)

THAT THEYSHOULD NOT HURT (or harm)

THE GRASS OF THE EARTH, NEITHER ANY
GREEN THING (or plant),NEITHER ANY TREE; BUT ONLY THOSE MEN (or people)

WHICH HAVE NOT THE SEAL OF GOD IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS. This seal was given to the
one hundred and forty and four thousand, in Rev 7:3,4. This protection
may also extend to all those that have trusted in Jesus, at this time,
as the children of Israel were protected from the plagues in Egypt. Further
reason for their protection may be found in both Eph 1:13,14 and 2 Tim
2:19, as they would be SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT.

9:5. AND TO THEM IT WAS GIVEN
THAT THEY SHOULD NOT KILL THEM (the locusts were not allowed to kill them-JNT136);
BUT (only) THAT THEY SHOULD BE TORMENTED (or torture them) FIVE MONTHS:
AND THEIR TORMENT (or pain, or agony they suffered) WAS AS THE TORMENT
(or sting) OF A SCORPION, WHEN HE STRIKETH A MAN. T2.

9:5. AND
TO THEM IT WAS GIVEN THAT THEY SHOULD NOT KILL THEM (the locusts were
not allowed to kill them-JNT136);

BUT (only)
THAT THEY SHOULD BE TORMENTED (or torture them) FIVE MONTHS.
People will be tormented for five months by these locusts; it will be
as the sting of a scorpion. AND THEIR TORMENT (or pain, or agony
they suffered) WASAS THE TORMENT (or sting) OF A SCORPION,
WHEN HE STRIKETH A MAN. The Lord has put a limit on the length of
time people will be tormented by them. Whether the Lord will simply cause
the locusts to die, or disappear, or whether it will take five months
for people to figure out how to kill them, is not made known.

9:6. AND IN THOSE DAYS SHALL
MEN SEEK DEATH, AND SHALL NOT FIND IT; AND SHALL DESIRE (or long) TO DIE,
AND DEATH SHALL FLEE FROM (or elude) THEM. T2.

9:6. AND IN "THOSE DAYS."
This may be for a limited time only, perhaps five months. SHALLMEN SEEK DEATH, AND SHALL NOT FIND IT; AND SHALL DESIRE (or long)
TO DIE, AND DEATH SHALL FLEE FROM (or elude) THEM. The torment
or excruciating pain will be so severe that people will want to die. Evidently,
at this time, suicide may not be possible. Why they shall not find death
and why death will elude them is not explained.

9:7. AND THE SHAPES OF THE LOCUSTS
WERE LIKE UNTO HORSES PREPARED UNTO (or outfitted for) BATTLE; AND ON
THEIR HEADS WERE AS IT WERE (or what looked like) CROWNS LIKE GOLD, AND
THEIR FACES WERE AS THE FACES OF MEN (or like human faces). T2.

9:7. AND
THE SHAPES OF THE LOCUSTS WERE LIKE UNTO HORSES PREPAREDUNTO
(or outfitted for)

BATTLE.
They are prepared for their mission that lies ahead; they have a war to
wage upon humans.

AND ON THEIR HEADS WERE AS IT WERE (or what looked like)CROWNS LIKE GOLD. Note
the words "as" or "like" are used. This indicates
that the descriptions are similar to the things described, but not exactly
the same. We might think of a crown as representing authority. The crown
shape on the top of their head will be the color of gold. AND THEIR
FACES WERE AS THE FACES OF MEN (or like human faces). The faces of
these locusts will resemble men.

9:8. AND THEY HAD HAIR AS THE
HAIR OF WOMEN, AND THEIR TEETH WERE AS (or like) THE TEETH OF LIONS.

9:8. AND
THEY HAD HAIR AS THE HAIR OF WOMEN. This suggests that they will have
long hair on their heads.

AND THEIR TEETH WERE AS (or like)THE TEETHOF LIONS.
This seems to indicate large, strong teeth.

9:9. AND THEY HAD BREAST-PLATES,
AS IT WERE (or like) BREASTPLATES (or chests) OF IRON; AND THE SOUND OF
THEIR WINGS WAS AS THE SOUND OF CHARIOTS OF MANY HORSES (or like the thunderings
of many horses and chariots-NIV) RUNNING (or rushing) TO BATTLE. T2.

9:9. AND
THEY HAD BREASTPLATES, AS IT WERE (or like)

BREASTPLATES
(or chests)OF IRON. This implies
a very strong body armor or shell-like iron that may be extremely difficult
to damage. In other words, a person may try to kill these locusts by striking
them, but with no effect.

AND THE SOUND OF THEIR WINGS.
This does not say "like" or "as," but shows they will
have wings. These locusts will be able to fly. The sound of their wings
WAS

AS THE SOUND OF CHARIOTS OF MANY HORSES (or like the thunderings of many horses and chariots-NIV)RUNNING (or rushing)

TO BATTLE.
This indicates that their wings will make a very loud noise or roar like
the thundering of many horses and chariots. The word many is used,
showing there will be a massive number of these to spread all over the
earth. Also noted are the words "running to battle." Once they
are released from the bottomless pit, the locusts can be expected to go
swiftly to accomplish their mission.

9:10. AND THEY HAD TAILS LIKE
UNTO (or like those of) SCORPIONS, AND THERE WERE STINGS IN THEIR TAILS:
AND THEIR POWER WAS TO HURT (or torment) MEN (or people for) FIVE MONTHS.
T2.

9:10. AND
THEY HAD TAILS LIKE UNTO (or like those of)

SCORPIONS, AND THEREWERE STINGS IN THEIR TAILS: AND THEIR POWER WAS TO HURT (or torment)MEN (or people for)FIVE MONTHS. The tail
of a scorpion curves upward.

(Summary of the Locusts)1816-5A-6

Some form of locust

Came out of the smoke from the bottomless
pit

They have a sting like a scorpion

They do not hurt the grass, or any
green thing, or any tree

They hurt only people that do not
have the seal of God in their foreheads

The sting does not kill

The sting hurts so badly that men
will seek death, but shall not find it

These locusts have a mission; they
are prepared to battle

They have the power and authority
to hurt men for five months

They have what appears to be gold-colored
crowns on their heads

They have faces like men

They have hair like women; this suggests
long hair

They have big, strong teeth

They have some kind of armor that
is like iron

Because of this armor, it may be very
difficult to kill them

They have wings and can fly

Their wings make much noise

There will be many of them

They will go quickly to accomplish
their mission

Their tails may curve upward

Their stings are in their tails like
a scorpion

9:11. AND
THEY HAD A KING OVER THEM, WHICH IS THE ANGEL OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or
Abyss), WHOSE NAME IN THE HEBREW TONGUE IS ABADDON, BUT IN THE GREEK TONGUE
HATH HIS NAME APOLLYON (or Destroyer). T2.

THE FIFTH TRUMPET(THE FIRST WOE) IS PAST1817-5A-6

9:11. AND
THEY HAD A KING OVER THEM, WHICH IS THE ANGEL OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
(or Abyss),

WHOSE NAME IN THE HEBREW TONGUE IS
ABADDON, BUT IN THE GREEK TONGUE HATH HIS NAME APOLLYON.
(Both names mean "Destroyer.") Some identify this king that
is over them as Satan; however, it is unclear exactly who Apollyon is.
His name being given in both Hebrew and Greek may indicate that both Jew
and Gentile will be tormented.

9:12. ONE
WOE (or the first woe) IS PAST; AND, BEHOLD, THERE COME TWO WOES MORE
HEREAFTER (or two other woes are yet to come-NIV). T2.

THE SIXTH TRUMPET
(THE SECOND WOE) THE FOUR ANGELS LOOSED A THIRD PART OF MEN SLAINTHE TWO HUNDRED MILLION
HORSEMEN1818-5A-6

9:12. ONE
WOE (or the first woe)

IS PAST; AND, BEHOLD, THERE COME TWO
WOESMORE HEREAFTER (or two other woes
are yet to come-NIV). There is no mention in this verse of how soon the
next woe, which is the sixth trumpet, shall come.

9:13. AND THE SIXTH ANGEL SOUNDED
(his shofar or trumpet), AND I HEARD A VOICE (coming) FROM THE FOUR HORNS
OF THE GOLDEN ALTAR WHICH IS BEFORE GOD. Trumpet 6. Ref Ex 27:2; 38:2;
Ezek 43:15,20; Ps 118:27; 1 Ki 1:50,51. T2.

9:13. AND
THE SIXTH ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet),

AND I HEARD A VOICE
(coming)

FROM THE FOUR HORNS OF THE GOLDEN
ALTAR WHICH IS BEFORE GOD. Here is pictured
the golden altar before God. A voice comes from the four horns of this
altar. Regarding the four horns of the altar, a person could take hold
of these and beg for mercy. Here are some references: Ex 27:2; 38:2; Ezek
43:15,20; Ps 118:27; 1 Ki 1:50,51. The voice could have come forth in
response to the saints’ prayers for judgment.

9:14. SAYING TO THE SIXTH ANGEL
WHICH HAD THE TRUMPET (or shofar), LOOSE (or release) THE FOUR ANGELS
WHICH ARE BOUND IN (or at) THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES. Ref Rev 16:12. T2.

9:14. John
heard the voice SAYING TO THE SIXTH ANGEL WHICH HAD THE TRUMPET
(or shofar),

LOOSE (or
release)THE FOUR ANGELS WHICH ARE BOUND IN (or at)

THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES.
Do not confuse these four angels with those of Rev 7:1-3. The Euphrates
River is estimated to be nearly 1800 miles long. The angels were bound
and being held back at the Euphrates River. They appear to have been held
back, because when they are released, one-third of the world’s population
will die.

9:15. AND THE FOUR ANGELS WERE
LOOSED (or released), (these four angels) WHICH WERE PREPARED (or had
been kept ready) FOR AN HOUR, AND A DAY, AND A MONTH, AND A YEAR (or for
this very hour and day and month and year were released-NIV), FOR TO SLAY
(or kill) THE THIRD PART OF MEN (or mankind). Ref Rev 16:12. T2.

9:15. AND
THE FOUR ANGELS WERE LOOSED (or released), (these four angels)

WHICHWERE
PREPARED (or had been kept ready)FOR AN HOUR, AND A DAY, AND A MONTH, AND A YEAR (or for this very hour and day and month and year were
released-NIV). An exact time had been predetermined

FOR TO SLAY
(or kill)THE THIRD PART OF MEN
(or mankind).

During the first part of the Tribulation,
one-fourth of the world’s population are killed, because of the war. During
the second part, it is even worse, as one-third of what is left of the
world’s population is now killed. The four angels were released. Note
the wording,

THE ANGELS WERE LOOSED...TO
SLAY (or kill). Masses of people are killed. Some believe that the
angels do the killing. It would appear, however, the actual slaying is
accomplished by the massive army and their weapons-ref Rev 16:12.

9:16. AND THE NUMBER OF THE
ARMY OF THE HORSEMEN (or cavalry soldiers, or mounted troops) WERE TWO
HUNDRED THOUSAND THOUSAND (or two hundred million): AND I HEARD THE NUMBER
OF THEM. Ref Joel 1:6. T2.

A DESCRIPTION
OF THE HORSES1820-5A-6

9:16. AND
THE NUMBER OF THE ARMY OF THE HORSEMEN (or cavalry soldiers, or mounted
troops)

WERE TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND THOUSAND (or two hundred million):

AND I HEARD THE NUMBER OF THEM.
John did not count them, but rather heard the number of how many there
were. It is interesting to note, China has boasted that they could field
an army of two hundred million troops-ref Joel 1:6.

(Commentary)1819-5A-6

A massive military force of two hundred
million troops, from the east, head to Israel during the latter part of
the second part of the Tribulation. This military force appears to be
from China and other eastern nations. Meanwhile, four angels are bound
at the great river Euphrates. When they are let loose, one-third of the
world’s population will be killed, apparently, by this huge military armada.
Whether the massive slaughter takes place as the troops advance from the
east to the Euphrates, or after they cross the Euphrates, is unclear.

When they reach the Euphrates, their way
is blocked by the great river. Nevertheless, the two prophets of God have
POWER TO SHUT HEAVEN, THAT IT RAIN NOT IN THE DAYS OF THEIR PROPHECY-Rev
11:6. The result is, AND THE SIXTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS VIAL UPON THE
GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF WAS DRIED UP, THAT THE WAY
OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED-Rev 16:12. The vast military
force can now advance to Israel. The Battle of Armageddon is approaching.
It is written, FOR A NATION IS COME UP UPON MY LAND, STRONG, AND WITHOUT
NUMBER-Joel 1:6.

In verses 17-19, we are given a description
of the horses. As these are studied, they need to be viewed in light of
what John could understand. Consider, for example, how would John describe
a truck or a jet plane?

9:17. AND THUS I SAW THE HORSES
IN THE VISION, AND THEM (the riders) THAT SAT ON THEM, HAVING BREASTPLATES
OF FIRE (or fire-red), AND OF JACINTH (or iris-blue, or dark blue), AND
BRIMSTONE (or sulfur-yellow): AND THE HEADS OF THE HORSES WERE AS (or
resembled) THE HEADS OF LIONS; AND OUT OF (or from) THEIR MOUTHS ISSUED
(or came) FIRE AND SMOKE AND BRIMSTONE (or sulfur). T2.

9:17. AND
THUS I SAW THE HORSES IN THE VISION. A horse represents some type
of vehicle, thus, would have a body and perhaps wheels. The verse continues,

AND THEM
(the riders)THAT SAT ON THEM. John
saw people riding in or on the vehicles. Apparently, these vehicles are
equipped with weapons. These have

BREASTPLATES OF FIRE
(or fire-red),ANDOF JACINTH
(or iris-blue, or dark blue),AND BRIMSTONE (or
sulfur-yellow). Fire is mentioned also, in v.18, indicating some form
of weapon. The word "jacinth" is used here, but in the next
verse, the word "smoke" is used in place of it. The word "brimstone"
is also used and appears, in v.18, as some kind of weapon. The verse continues,

AND THE HEADS OF THE HORSES.
The head would sit on top of the body. These vehicles had wheels, a body,
a head, and riders.

The headsWERE AS (or resembled)THE HEADS OF LIONS.
The head or top of the vehicle resembled a lion, when facing it—strong
and fierce.

AND OUTOF (or from)THEIR MOUTHS. The head
of the vehicle has some kind of mouth. From this mouth, thereISSUED (or came)FIRE AND SMOKE AND BRIMSTONE
(or sulfur). From an opening (or mouth) in the front of the head, came
forth three things:

1. FIRE, perhaps like a very advanced
flame-thrower.
2. SMOKE, which is also termed "JACINTH." This may be
a newly discovered, secret weapon made with ZrSiO, a type of crystal found
in Ceylon.
3. BRIMSTONE or sulfur could be representing "deadly gas."

These deadly things could shoot forth
out of the mouth in shell or missile form. It is possible that what is
being described here is a combination of all three of these, creating
a very lethal weapon capable of killing huge numbers of people.

We can only speculate how sophisticated
these weapons will be when this time finally comes. China already has
nuclear weapons. Considering the rapid advance in technology, some of
the weapons described here may be far more advanced than what we know
today; this could account for such vast numbers of people being killed.

9:18. BY THESE THREE WAS THE
THIRD PART OF MEN (or mankind) KILLED, BY THE FIRE, AND BY THE SMOKE,
AND BY THE BRIMSTONE (or sulfur), WHICH ISSUED OUT OF THEIR (the horses’)
MOUTHS. T2.

9:18. BY
THESE THREE WAS THE THIRD PART OF MEN (or mankind)

KILLED.
By the three weapons—the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone—one-third
of the world’s population was killed.

BY THE FIRE, AND BY THE SMOKE, AND
BY THE BRIMSTONE (or sulfur),WHICH ISSUED OUT OF THEIR
(the horses’) MOUTHS.

9:19. FOR THEIR POWER (or the
power of the horses-NASB) IS IN THEIR MOUTH, AND IN THEIR TAILS: FOR THEIR
TAILS WERE LIKE UNTO SERPENTS (or snakes), AND HAD HEADS, AND WITH THEM
THEY DO HURT (or they inflict, or cause injury). T2.

MEN REPENTED NOT1823-5A-6

9:19. FOR
THEIR POWER (the power of the horses-NASB)

IS IN THEIR MOUTH.
The mouth of the vehicle has power that might be deemed as fire, smoke,
and brimstone.AND IN THEIR TAILS.
The vehicle also has power in their tails. We may think of power here
representing an engine in the tail or rear of this vehicle.

FOR THEIR TAILS WERE LIKE UNTO SERPENTS (or snakes). This may denote the shape or design of the
rear of the vehicle,

ANDHAD
HEADS,AND WITH THEM THEY DO HURT (or they inflict, or cause
injury). It appears the tail of the vehicle also has some kind of head
that can inflict hurt or injury.

(The Horse’s Description:
The List)1821-5A-6

A vehicle

With wheels

With a body

With riders

The vehicle has a head that sits on top of the body

The head is strong and fierce-looking

The head has a mouth

From the mouth shoots forth fire, smoke, and brimstone

By these were the third part of men killed

Power in their mouths

Power in their tails

Tails like unto serpents

Tails had heads that can also cause injury

(A Horse, Indicating
Some Type of Vehicle)1822-5A-6

Is this the horse that
John saw?

9:20. AND THE REST OF THE MEN
(or mankind) WHICH WERE NOT KILLED BY THESE PLAGUES YET REPENTED NOT (or
still did not repent) OF THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS, THAT THEY SHOULD NOT
WORSHIP DEVILS (or demons), AND IDOLS OF GOLD, AND SILVER, AND BRASS,
AND STONE, AND OF WOOD (idols): WHICH NEITHER CAN SEE, NOR HEAR, NOR WALK.
T2.

9:20. AND THE REST OF THE MEN
(or mankind) WHICH WERE NOT KILLED BY THESE PLAGUES YET REPENTED NOT (or
still did not repent) OF THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS, THAT THEY SHOULD NOT
WORSHIP DEVILS (or demons), AND IDOLS OF GOLD, AND SILVER, AND BRASS,
AND STONE, AND OF WOOD (idols): WHICH NEITHER CAN SEE, NOR HEAR, NOR WALK.
The word "plagues" used here is denoting the fire, smoke, and
brimstone. Despite this great military force—of two hundred million troops,
coming from the east with these lethal weapons, whereby one-third of mankind
was killed—people still would not repent. They appear to be worshiping
the works of their hands, and devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and
brass, and stone, and wood. The words "gold and silver" are
noted, which may also translate into materialism, greed, and money. Idol
worship will abound; v.20 tells of the people’s worship; v.21 tells of
their deeds.

9:21. NEITHER
REPENTED THEY OF (or turn from) THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES
(or magic arts, or misuse of drugs in connection with the occult-JNT137),
NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION (or sexual immorality), NOR OF THEIR THEFTS.
T2.

ANOTHER ANGEL1824-5A-6

9:21. NEITHER
REPENTED THEY OF (or turn from)

THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES (or magic arts, or misuse of drugs in connection with
the occult-JNT137),NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION
(or sexual immorality),NOR OF THEIR THEFTS
(or stealing). Murders, sorceries, drugs, and stealing will abound. People
will not repent. The word "sorceries" (Greek-pharmakeia) can
mean medication, pharmacy, magic, sorcery, and witchcraft. This could
also include illegal drug use.

Back in chapter 7, another topic was interjected
between the sixth and seventh seals; likewise, here, there is another
topic interjected between the sixth and seventh trumpets.

10:1. AND
I SAW ANOTHER MIGHTY ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, CLOTHED (or dressed)
WITH A CLOUD: AND A RAINBOW WAS UPON (or over) HIS HEAD, AND HIS FACE
WAS AS IT WERE THE SUN, AND HIS FEET (or legs) AS PILLARS (or columns)
OF FIRE. ET.

A LITTLE BOOK OPEN
AND
THE SEVEN THUNDERS1825-5A-6

10:1. AND
I SAW ANOTHER MIGHTY ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, CLOTHED (or
dressed)

WITH A CLOUD: AND A RAINBOW WAS UPON
(or over)HISHEAD, AND HIS
FACE WAS AS IT WERE THE SUN, AND HIS FEET (or legs)AS PILLARS (or columns)OF FIRE. This angel
is not identified; however, his description and the authority he exercises
suggests that, at the least, this is a very powerful angel of the Lord.
Some believe that it is Jesus Himself. There are other instances of such
angels, in Rev 7:2,3 and 8:3-6, just to mention two. The timing of the
events, in chapter 10, appear to be at the end of the Tribulation after
the sixth trumpet, but prior to the seventh trumpet.

10:2. AND HE HAD IN HIS HAND
A LITTLE BOOK (or scroll lying) OPEN: AND HE SET (or planted) HIS RIGHT
FOOT UPON THE SEA, AND HIS LEFT FOOT ON THE EARTH (or land). ET.

10:2. AND
HE HAD IN HIS HAND A LITTLE BOOK (or scroll lying)

OPEN. The
exact purpose of the little scroll is not made known. It may contain certain
instructions before the seventh trumpet sounds. Some consider it may be
the title deed to the earth, which could explain why

HE SET
(or planted)HIS RIGHT FOOT UPON THE SEA, AND HIS LEFT FOOTON THE EARTH (or land). This could symbolize taking
possession. The little scroll is covered further in verses 7-10.

10:3. AND CRIED (or shouted)
WITH A LOUD VOICE, AS (loud as) WHEN A LION ROARETH: AND WHEN HE HAD CRIED
(or shouted), SEVEN THUNDERS UTTERED (or sounded with) THEIR VOICES. 7
Thunders. ET.

10:3. AND
CRIED (or shouted)

WITH A LOUD VOICE, AS
(loud as)WHEN A LIONROARETH.
In chapter 5, Jesus is called the "Lion of the tribe of Judah."

AND WHEN HE HAD CRIED
(or shouted),SEVEN THUNDERS UTTERED
(or sounded with) THEIR VOICES.

10:4. AND WHEN THE SEVEN THUNDERS
HAD UTTERED THEIR VOICES (or spoke), I WAS ABOUT TO WRITE: AND I HEARD
A VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO ME, SEAL UP THOSE THINGS WHICH THE SEVEN
THUNDERS UTTERED (or have said), AND WRITE THEM NOT (or do not write it
down-NIV). ET.

10:4. AND
WHEN THE SEVEN THUNDERS HAD UTTERED THEIRVOICES (or spoke),

IWAS
ABOUT TO WRITE: AND I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVENSAYING UNTO ME,
SEAL UP THOSE THINGS WHICH THE SEVEN THUNDERS UTTERED (or have said),

AND WRITE THEM NOT
(or do not write it down-NIV). John is commanded not to disclose what
the voices of the seven thunders said. The Lord chose to reveal them to
John, but to no one else at this time. The events of the Tribulation continue
to get worse and worse as birth pangs of a woman. Thus, these seven thunders
would appear to represent some kind of awesome judgments.

10:5. AND
THE ANGEL WHICH I SAW STAND UPON THE SEA AND UPON THE EARTH (or land)
LIFTED (or raised) UP HIS HAND TO HEAVEN. ET.

TIME NO LONGER1826-5A-6

10:5. AND
THE ANGEL WHICH I SAW STAND UPON THE SEA AND UPON THE EARTH (or land)

LIFTED
(or raised)UP HIS HAND TO HEAVEN.
The angel is not identified. Some believe it is Jesus standing upon the
sea and land, showing that He is about to take possession as mentioned
in Rev 10:1,2.

10:6. AND
SWARE BY HIM THAT LIVETH FOR EVER AND EVER, WHO CREATED HEAVEN, AND THRE,
AND THE EARTH, AND THE THINGS THAT THEREIN ARE (or what is in it), AND
THE SEA, AND THE THINGS WHICH ARE THEREIN (or what is in it), THAT THERE
SHOULD BE TIME NO LONGER (or there will be no more delay-JNT138).
ET.

THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
BEGINS TO SOUND (THE THIRD WOE)
THE MYSTERY OF GOD
SHOULD BE FINISHED1827-5A-6

10:6. AND
SWARE BY HIM THAT LIVETH FOR EVER AND EVER. The fact that God is eternal
is emphasized. And it is He

WHO CREATED HEAVEN, AND THE
THINGS THAT THEREIN ARE, AND THE EARTH, AND THE THINGS THAT THEREIN ARE (or what is in it),AND THE SEA, AND THE THINGS WHICH ARE THEREIN (or what is in it). We are reminded that God created all
things. This can also reflect the omnipotence of God as He deals in judgment
with a world in rebellion to Him. He then swears

THAT THERE SHOULD BE TIME NO LONGER (or there will be no more delay-JNT138). The
meaning of "time no longer" is not clearly defined. In carefully
studying the order of events, this appears to be at the very end of the
Tribulation, just prior to events that take place "after the Tribulation
of those days." The words "time no longer" may denote the
end of the Tribulation. Armageddon is on the horizon, and Jesus Christ
is about to return. A new age, the Millennium, is close at hand.

10:7. BUT IN THE DAYS OF THE
VOICE OF THE SEVENTH ANGEL (or when the seventh angel is about to sound
his trumpet-NIV, or shofar-JNT139), WHEN HE SHALL BEGIN TO
SOUND, THE MYSTERY OF GOD SHOULD BE FINISHED (or accomplished) (or the
hidden plan of God will be brought to completion, the Good News-JNT140),
AS HE HATH DECLARED (or announced) TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. (The
seventh trumpet continues at Rev 11:15.) Ref 1 Cor 13:12. AT.

THE LITTLE BOOK1829-5A-6

10:7. BUT
IN THE DAYS OF THE VOICE OF THE SEVENTH ANGEL (or when the seventh
angel is about to sound his trumpet-NIV, or shofar-JNT139),

WHEN HE SHALL BEGIN TO SOUNDTHE MYSTERY OF GOD SHOULD BE FINISHED (or accomplished)
(or the hidden plan of God will be brought to completion, the Good News-JNT140),

AS HE HATH DECLARED
(or announced)TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS.
In this verse, it says, "When the seventh angel is about to sound."
In Rev 11:15, where the seventh trumpet continues, note the words, "The
seventh angel sounded." When the angel is just about to sound the
trumpet, at that exact instant, the hidden plan of God will be brought
to completion as He had announced to the prophets. The time frame for
this is immediately after the Tribulation. The seventh trumpet actually
sounding is in Rev 11:15. The mystery of God is finished, when Jesus returns;
as it is written, FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY; BUT THEN FACE
TO FACE: NOW I KNOW IN PART; BUT THEN SHALL I KNOW EVEN AS ALSO I AM KNOWN-1
Cor 13:12. From the time that the seventh trumpet is about to sound, in
Rev 10:7, to the time it does sound, in Rev 11:15, is a very short period.

THE TIMING OF NUMEROUS
EVENTS AT THE END
OF THE TRIBULATION AND IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER1828-5A-6

It may be noted that at the end of the
Tribulation and continuing into "immediately after the Tribulation,"
numerous events will occur in rapid succession. Many may be separated
by no more than minutes or an hour.

10:8. AND THE VOICE WHICH I
HEARD (next) FROM HEAVEN SPAKE UNTO ME AGAIN, AND SAID, GO AND TAKE THE
LITTLE BOOK (or scroll) WHICH IS (lying) OPEN IN THE HAND OF THE ANGEL
WHICH STANDETH UPON THE SEA AND UPON THE EARTH (or land). AT.

10:8. AND
THE VOICE WHICH I HEARD (next)

FROM HEAVEN SPAKE UNTO ME AGAIN, AND
SAID, GO AND TAKE THE LITTLE BOOK (or scroll)

WHICH IS
(lying)OPEN IN THE HAND OF THE ANGEL WHICH STANDETH
UPON THE SEA AND UPON THEEARTH (or
land). John is being instructed what to do.

10:9. AND I WENT (over) UNTO
THE ANGEL, AND SAID UNTO HIM, GIVE ME THE LITTLE BOOK (or scroll). AND
HE SAID UNTO ME, TAKE IT, AND EAT IT UP; AND IT SHALL MAKE THY BELLY (or
stomach) BITTER (or sour), BUT IT SHALL BE IN THY MOUTH SWEET AS HONEY.
AT.

10:9. AND
I WENT (over)

UNTO THE ANGEL, AND SAID UNTO HIM,
GIVE ME THE LITTLEBOOK (or scroll).

AND HE SAID UNTO ME, TAKE IT, AND
EAT IT UP; AND IT SHALLMAKE THY BELLY
(or stomach)BITTER (or sour),

BUT IT SHALL BE IN THY MOUTHSWEET AS HONEY. John seems to be told to incorporate
the contents of the little scroll into his inner being. One can only speculate
what its contents are. Apparently, it is initially sweet to the taste,
but, once ingested, becomes very upsetting or bitter. It might remind
us that some things, on the surface, appear very pleasing, but the end
result can be destruction or death.

10:10. AND I TOOK THE LITTLE
BOOK (or scroll) OUT OF THE ANGEL’S HAND, AND ATE IT UP; AND IT WAS IN
MY MOUTH (or tasted) SWEET AS HONEY: AND AS SOON AS I HAD EATEN IT (or
swallowed it), MY BELLY WAS BITTER (or sour). AT.

10:10. AND
I TOOK THE LITTLE BOOK (or scroll)

OUT OF THE ANGEL’S HAND, ANDATE IT UP; AND IT WAS IN MY MOUTH (or tasted) SWEET
AS HONEY: AND AS SOON AS I HAD EATEN IT (or swallowed it),MY BELLY WAS BITTER
(or sour).

10:11. AND
HE SAID UNTO ME, THOU MUST PROPHESY AGAIN BEFORE (or about) MANY PEOPLES,
AND NATIONS, AND TONGUES (or languages), AND KINGS. Misc.

THE TEMPLE OF GOD1830-5A-6

10:11. AND
HE (the angel)

SAID UNTO ME, THOU MUST PROPHESY AGAIN
BEFORE (or about) MANY PEOPLES, AND NATIONS,
AND TONGUES (or languages),AND KINGS. God’s Word
was fulfilled. It is noted that right after John had eaten the little
scroll, he was told he must prophesy again.

11:1. AND THERE WAS GIVEN ME
A REED LIKE UNTO A (measuring) ROD: AND THE ANGEL STOOD, SAYING, RISE,
AND MEASURE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THE ALTAR, AND (count) THEM THAT WORSHIP
THEREIN. Ref 2 Thes 2:4; Dan 9:27. TM, T2.

11:1. AND
THERE WAS GIVEN ME A REED LIKE UNTO A (measuring)

ROD: AND THE ANGEL STOOD, SAYING,
RISE, AND MEASURE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THE ALTAR, AND
(count)

THEM THAT WORSHIP THEREIN.
Israel has not had a temple since approximately 70 A.D.; however, sometime
during the first part of the Tribulation, a temple will be built and sacrifices
reinstituted. During the midst of the Tribulation, these sacrifices will
be stopped-ref Dan 9:27, as the Antichrist proclaims himself to be God
and moves in. As it is written, HE (the Antichrist)…SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE
OF GOD, SHOWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD-2 Thes 2:4. John is given a measuring
instrument and told to measure the temple and altar and to count those
that worship therein. "Those that worship therein" may represent
some believing, God-fearing Jews; however, these should flee at the midst
of the Tribulation when the abomination of desolation occurs.

11:2. BUT
THE COURT WHICH IS WITHOUT (or outside) THE TEMPLE LEAVE OUT, AND MEASURE
IT NOT; FOR IT IS GIVEN UNTO THE GENTILES (or Goyim, or nations): AND
THE HOLY CITY SHALL THEY TREAD (or trample) UNDER FOOT FORTY AND TWO MONTHS.
TM, T2.

THE TWO WITNESSES1831-5A-6

11:2. BUT
THE COURT WHICH IS WITHOUT (or outside)

THE TEMPLE LEAVE OUT, AND MEASURE
IT NOT; FOR IT IS GIVEN UNTO THE GENTILES (or
Goyim, or nations):
AND THE HOLY CITY SHALL THEY TREAD (or trample)UNDER FOOT FORTY ANDTWO MONTHS. John is told not to measure the court outside the temple,
for it has been given to the Gentiles. He is told that the Gentiles shall
trample the holy city (Jerusalem) for 42 months, which represents the
second part of the Tribulation. The court outside the temple and the city
is given to the Gentiles or the ungodly. Since the temple itself is measured,
this could be yet another indication that the Antichrist
will not be a Gentile.

11:3. AND I WILL GIVE POWER
(or authority) UNTO MY TWO WITNESSES, AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY A THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS (or 1260 days), CLOTHED IN SACKCLOTH.
T2.

11:3. AND
I WILL GIVE POWER (or authority)

UNTO MY TWO WITNESSES.
God sends forth two witnesses during the Tribulation. These are also called:

TWO PROPHETS,
in Rev 11:10, andTWO OLIVE TREES andTWO CANDLESTICKS,
in Rev 11:4. It might be asked, "Who are they? and in what part of
the Tribulation will they appear?" God gives them power. They shall
witness of the things God gives them to say. They will stand with truth
against the lies of the false messiah.

AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY A THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS (or 1260 days).
Thus, they shall witness and prophesy. The length of time they shall prophesy
shall be 1260 days. Their lives are protected by God. Despite the great
power of the Antichrist, they cannot be killed until the days of their
prophecy are fulfilled. The length of the second part of the Tribulation
is 1260 days.

CLOTHED IN SACKCLOTH.
These are not clothed in the beautiful apparel that some priests, preachers,
and rabbi wear, but rather in sackcloth. Sackcloth is a form of clothing
representing repentance, humbleness, mourning, and distress.

11:4. THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE
TREES, AND THE TWO CANDLE-STICKS (or menorahs, or lampstands) STANDING
BEFORE THE GOD (or Lord) OF THE EARTH. Ref Zech 4:2,11-14; Mal 4:5; 2
Ki 2:11. T2.

11:4. THESE
ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES. Olive is often used in the Scriptures to
denote Hebrews or Jews. These are two Jews, which are prophets. Jere 11:16;
Ro 11:24,27 both use the word "olive," referring to the Jews
or Israel. These are also

THE TWO CANDLESTICKS
(or menorahs, or lampstands)STANDING BEFORE THE GOD
(or Lord)OF THE EARTH.

It is written, AND SAID UNTO ME, WHAT
SEEST THOU? AND I SAID, I HAVE LOOKED, AND BEHOLD A CANDLESTICK ALL OF
GOLD, WITH A BOWL UPON THE TOP OF IT, AND HIS SEVEN LAMPS THEREON, AND
SEVEN PIPES TO THE SEVEN LAMPS, WHICH ARE UPON THE TOP THEREOF. THEN ANSWERED
I, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHAT ARE THESE TWO OLIVE TREES UPON THE RIGHT SIDE
OF THE CANDLESTICK AND UPON THE LEFT SIDE THEREOF? AND I ANSWERED AGAIN,
AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHAT BE THESE TWO OLIVE BRANCHES WHICH THROUGH THE
TWO GOLDEN PIPES EMPTY THE GOLDEN OIL OUT OF THEMSELVES? AND HE ANSWERED
ME AND SAID, KNOWEST THOU NOT WHAT THESE BE? AND I SAID, NO, MY LORD.
THEN SAID HE, THESE ARE THE TWO ANOINTED ONES, THAT STAND BY THE LORD
OF THE WHOLE EARTH-Zech 4:2,11-14. The two here are considered to be Zerubbabel,
son of Shealtiel, the governor, and Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high
priest. Their connection with the lampstands seems to show they were empowered
by the Holy Spirit, which is symbolized by the olive oil. In like manner,
the two witnesses will be empowered by the Holy Spirit. They will accomplish
God's will by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is further written, BEHOLD, I WILL
SEND YOU ELIJAH THE PROPHET BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND DREADFUL
DAY OF THE LORD-Mal 4:5. Without any question, one of these two prophets
is Elijah. Elijah never saw death, but was translated-ref 2 Ki 2:11. Clearly,
he shall be sent sometime before the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus, Himself,
shall return at the time of Armageddon.

11:5. AND IF ANY MAN (or anyone)
WILL HURT THEM (or tries to harm them), FIRE PROCEEDETH (or comes) OUT
OF THEIR MOUTH, AND DEVOURETH (or consumes) THEIR ENEMIES: AND IF ANY
MAN WILL HURT THEM (or tries to harm them), HE MUST IN THIS MANNER BE
KILLED (or this is how anyone who wants to harm them must die-NIV). Ref
2 Ki 1:10-12. T2.

11:5. AND IF ANY MAN (or anyone)

WILL HURT THEM
(or tries to harm them). For 3 ˝ years, the two witnesses will be immune
from death. Undoubtedly, many will come against them and try to hurt or
kill them; however, when they do,

FIRE PROCEEDETH
(or comes)
OUT OF THEIR MOUTH, AND DEVOURETH (or consumes)

THEIR ENEMIES.
Elijah also caused fire to come down out of heaven and devoured his enemies-ref
2 Ki 1:10-12. Thus, Elijah spoke the word, and fire came down. This verse
indicates that these prophets will also speak the word, and fire will
come forth as a result of the words that they speak.

AND IF ANY MAN WILL HURT THEM (or tries to harm them),

HE MUST IN THIS MANNER BE KILLED (or this is how anyone who wants to harm them must
die-NIV). Anyone that will come against these two prophets of God, to
try to harm them, will be killed by fire.

11:6. THESE
HAVE POWER (or authority) TO SHUT HEAVEN (or the sky), THAT IT RAIN NOT
IN THE DAYS (or during the period) OF THEIR PROPHECY (or prophesying):
AND (they) HAVE POWER (or authority) OVER WATERS TO TURN THEM TO BLOOD,
AND TO SMITE (or strike) THE EARTH WITH ALL (or every kind of) PLAGUES,
AS OFTEN AS THEY WILL (or want). Ref Ja 5:17; 1 Ki 8:35; Joel 1:2,10,20;
2 Chr 6:26; Rev 16:12,4; Ex 7:14-25. T2.

THE TWO WITNESSES KILLED1836-5A-6

11:6. THESE
HAVE POWER (or authority)

TO SHUT HEAVEN
(or the sky),THAT IT RAINNOT IN THE DAYS (or during the period)

OF THEIR PROPHECY
(or prophesying). During their 1260 days of witnessing and prophesying,
the rain will cease. The Scriptures do not specify if this will be worldwide
or just in the Middle East. Elijah also did this in the Old Testament.
It is written, ELIJAH WAS A MAN SUBJECT TO LIKE PASSIONS AS WE ARE, AND
HE PRAYED EARNESTLY THAT IT MIGHT NOT RAIN: AND IT RAINED NOT ON THE EARTH
BY THE SPACE OF THREE YEARS AND SIX MONTHS-Ja 5:17. One can only imagine
how horrible conditions will be in Israel, with no rain for the last 3
˝ years of the Tribulation. Also note 1 Ki 8:35; Joel 1:2,10,20; 2 Chr
6:26. This also accounts for why the Euphrates is dried up, in Rev 16:12,
during the second part of the Tribulation.

AND (they)HAVE POWER (or authority)

OVER WATERS TO TURN THEM TO BLOOD.
This could also account for the rivers and fountains becoming blood, in
Rev 16:4, during the second part of the Tribulation. This is one of the
miracles that Moses did-ref Ex 7:14-25. These also have the power

TO SMITE
(or strike)THE EARTH WITH ALL (or every kind of)PLAGUES, AS OFTEN ASTHEY WILL (or want). This would indicate that they will strike
the earth with many plagues, which are not listed in the Scriptures.

CONCLUSION1832 to 1835-5A-6

(When
Will the Two Witnesses Be on the Earth?)1832-5A-6

Many verses mention the rain being shut
off during the Tribulation. They seem to reveal that this happens during
the second part of the Tribulation. We have no scriptural evidence that
the rains will be shut off during the first part of the Tribulation. Quite
the contrary, we do have evidence from the Scriptures that the springs
of waters will flow, and the crops will still be growing. Rain is needed
to grow crops. Thus, it seems clear that the two prophets are upon the
earth during the second part of the Tribulation, as they have the power
TO SHUT HEAVEN, THAT IT RAIN NOT IN THE DAYS OF THEIR PROPHECY.

As the Scriptures are studied, regarding
some of the vial judgments, it is clear they are brought forth by the
two prophets of God and that these judgments are during the second part
of the Tribulation. Thus, it seems evident that the two prophets of God
are upon the earth during the second part of the Tribulation (the worst
part). This is the same time that Jerusalem shall be overrun by the Gentiles.
The Antichrist will be in the temple; people will be taking the mark and
worshiping the image of the beast. These prophets will be hated by the
unbelieving world. Elijah, as mentioned previously, shall come BEFORE…THE
GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD (which is Armageddon). Again, this
would place him on the earth during the second part of the Tribulation.

The exact day the two witnesses appear
on the earth to begin their 1260 day ministry seems unclear. We can only
determine that it will be at approximately the midst of the Tribulation
or, perhaps, a few days before.

BE GLAD THEN, YE CHILDREN OF ZION, AND
REJOICE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD: FOR HE HATH GIVEN YOU THE FORMER RAIN MODERATELY,
AND HE WILL CAUSE TO COME DOWN FOR YOU THE RAIN, THE FORMER RAIN, AND
THE LATTER RAIN IN THE FIRST MONTH. AND THE FLOORS SHALL BE FULL OF WHEAT,
AND THE VATS SHALL OVERFLOW WITH WINE AND OIL-Joel 2:23,24. The rain that
was held back, during the second part of the Tribulation, shall come down
during the very beginning of the Millennium.

(Who Will the First
Witness Be?)1833-5A-6

Mal 4:5 leaves no doubt that one prophet
is Elijah. During Passover, the Jews learn to anticipate the coming
of Elijah before the coming of the Messiah. This is why the people asked
if John the Baptist was Elijah.

(Who Will the Second
Witness Be?)1834-5A-6

The second prophet is not clearly stated;
however, many of the plagues that will come forth during the Tribulation
were brought forth by Moses in the Old Testament. The first, third, and
fifth vials were all things that Moses did in the Old Testament.
Moses appeared with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration-ref Mt 17:3;
Mk 9:4. Also Moses’ natural force was not abated-ref Deut 34:7. Some might
say, despite Deut 34:7, Moses is rejected, as they hold that a person
cannot die twice. This argument is not valid. Lazarus died, but Jesus
raised him from the dead, and then, undoubtedly, he died a second time.
This is also the case of others that Jesus raised from the dead.

Also Moses greatly desired to enter the
Promised Land, but was forbidden by God at that time-ref Deut 3:23,25,26.
Both are Jews and prophets. There would seem to be overwhelming evidence
that the second prophet is Moses. This could explain why Satan desired
to know where Moses’ body was; he wanted to destroy it-ref Jude 9. Nevertheless,
NO MAN KNOWETH OF HIS SEPULCHER UNTO THIS DAY-Deut 34:6. God is protecting
it, awaiting that day when Moses should return during the Tribulation.

Some maintain that the second is Enoch,
because he was translated; however, this must be rejected as he was not
a Jew. In addition, there appears to be no other evidence to support this
view.

(What Shall the Two
Witnesses Speak?)1835-5A-6

The two witnesses will be warning and
preparing people for the return of Jesus. They will be prophesying of
things that are about to come and speaking of those things that are already
written in the Revelation. Elijah, HE SHALL TURN THE HEART OF THE FATHERS
TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE HEART OF THE CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS-Mal 4:6.
He can be expected to witness, THE VOICE OF HIM THAT CRIETH IN THE WILDERNESS,
PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT IN THE DESERT A HIGHWAY
FOR OUR GOD. EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED, AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL
SHALL BE MADE LOW: AND THE CROOKED SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT, AND THE ROUGH
PLACES PLAIN: AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED, AND ALL FLESH
SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER: FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT-Isa 40:3-5.
He can be expected to TURN THE HEARTS OF...THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM
OF THE JUST; TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD-Lk 1:17. They
can be expected to teach, BEHOLD, I WILL SEND MY MESSENGER, AND HE SHALL
PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE ME: AND THE LORD, WHOM YE SEEK, SHALL SUDDENLY
COME TO HIS TEMPLE, EVEN THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, WHOM YE DELIGHT
IN: BEHOLD, HE SHALL COME, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS. BUT WHO MAY ABIDE
THE DAY OF HIS COMING? AND WHO SHALL STAND WHEN HE APPEARETH? FOR HE IS
LIKE A REFINER’S FIRE, AND LIKE FULLER’S SOAP-Mal 3:1,2. They can be expected
to warn people not to take the mark or worship the beast.

11:7. AND WHEN THEY SHALL HAVE
FINISHED THEIR TESTIMONY (or witnessing), THE BEAST THAT ASCENDETH OUT
OF THE BOT-TOMLESS PIT (or Abyss) SHALL MAKE WAR (or attack, or fight)
AGAINST THEM, AND SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL THEM. ET.

11:7. AND
WHEN THEY SHALL HAVE FINISHED THEIR TESTIMONY (or witnessing), or,
it might be said, when their 1260 days are expired,

THE BEAST
(which is called Antichrist)THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or Abyss)

SHALL MAKE WAR
(or attack, or fight)AGAINST THEM, AND SHALL OVERCOME THEM, AND KILL
THEM. The Antichrist shall kill the two witnesses,
because their ministry is finished, and it has been decreed by the Lord.

This is the first reference in the Revelation
of the Antichrist being called the beast. He is not called the
beast until the midst of the week or 3 ˝ years from the end of the Tribulation.

11:8. AND THEIR DEAD BODIES
SHALL LIE IN THE STREET OF THE GREAT CITY, WHICH SPIRITUALLY (or whose
name, to reflect its spiritual condition-JNT141) IS CALLED
SODOM AND EGYPT, WHERE ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED (or was executed on
a stake-JNT142). ET.

11:8. AND
THEIR DEAD BODIES SHALL LIE IN THE STREET OF THE GREAT CITY. The dead
bodies of the two witnesses shall remain in the street of the city. Now
that the Antichrist has overcome them, the people of the world will, undoubtedly,
be reassured that the Antichrist is the real Christ and these two witnesses
were false prophets.

The city of JerusalemSPIRITUALLY (or whose
name, to reflect its spiritual condition-JNT141)

ISCALLED
SODOM AND EGYPT. Jerusalem’s name, "Sodom," spiritually
reflects its corrupt condition. Their condition will be as Sodom in the
days of Lot. The multitude will deny the true God of heaven. The masses
will worship the image of the beast (the Antichrist). They will take the
mark of the beast and completely corrupt themselves. They are spiritually
dead. The name, "Egypt," may reflect the bondage that the people
are really in. They are oppressed and are slaves. They have taken the
mark of the Antichrist and worshiped the image of the beast.

The spiritual name of Jerusalem, at this
time, is far different than its name during the Millennium. The verse
continues,WHERE ALSO OUR LORD WAS CRUCIFIED (or was executed on a stake-JNT142). Jesus
was crucified, outside the wall of Jerusalem, at the place called Golgotha.
The bodies of the two prophets, being left in the street of Jerusalem,
may suggest that their ministry will be in Jerusalem and Israel.

11:9. AND THEY (or some) OF
THE PEOPLE AND KINDREDS (or tribes) AND TONGUES (or languages) AND NATIONS
SHALL SEE (or gaze on) THEIR DEAD BODIES (for) THREE DAYS AND AN HALF,
AND SHALL NOT SUFFER (or refuse) THEIR DEAD BODIES (or corpses) TO BE
PUT IN GRAVES (or in a tomb). ET.

11:9. AND
THEY (or some)

OF THE PEOPLE AND KINDREDS (or tribes)AND TONGUES (or languages)AND NATIONS SHALL SEE
(or gaze on)THEIR DEAD BODIES
(for)THREE DAYS AND AN HALF, AND SHALL NOT SUFFER (or refuse)THEIR DEAD BODIES
(or corpses)

TO BE PUT IN GRAVES
(or in a tomb). Their bodies being left in the street may show the enormous
hatred that people had for these two witnesses of God. The many problems
the world had been going through were blamed on these two prophets of
God. It would appear this prophecy could not have been fulfilled until
the times in which we are now living. How is it possible that the people
of the world are able to see their dead bodies? The answer would appear
to be by the use of satellites, television, and even computers. Through
the technology of this age, we can see events from around the world, even
as they happen.

There is no scriptural evidence to the
following, but one might wonder if their bodies could be left lying in
the area that our Lord Jesus Christ Himself was crucified?

11:10. AND
THEY THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH (or the inhabitants of the earth-NIV) SHALL
REJOICE OVER THEM, AND MAKE MERRY (or celebrate), AND SHALL SEND GIFTS
ONE TO ANOTHER; BECAUSE THESE TWO PROPHETS TORMENTED THEM THAT DWELT (or
live) ON THE EARTH. ET.

THE TWO WITNESSES
RECEIVE LIFE1837-5A-6

11:10. AND
THEY THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH (or the inhabitants of the earth-NIV)

SHALL REJOICE OVER THEM, AND MAKE
MERRY (or celebrate),AND SHALL SEND GIFTS ONE TO ANOTHER; BECAUSE
THESE TWO PROPHETS (or two witnesses)

TORMENTED THEM THATDWELT (or live)ON THE EARTH. The two
prophets had warned people to repent. They had warned them of what was
happening. But most people of the world chose to believe the lies of the
Antichrist and false prophet. The two prophets had proven they were of
God by the things they did. The corrupt people of the world were tormented
by the many plagues that they brought. But now they were killed by the
Antichrist. The wicked people of the earth probably believe the plagues
will now stop. They rejoice, celebrate, and give gifts to each other.

Apparently, the two witnesses had told
the people they would be killed, but later rise from the dead, as the
Bible foretold these things would happen to them. It would appear the
two prophets had warned that Armageddon was about to happen and the people
also would shortly perish and be in hell.

But the people chose not to believe them;
they were positive that the two prophets of God were wrong.

Since we have been unable to pinpoint
the exact day that the two witnesses appear on the earth, to begin their
1260 day ministry, it is equally difficult to pinpoint the exact day that
they will be killed. Evidently, they are killed within a few days of the
end of the Tribulation. This would place their ascension into heaven at
the last day of the Tribulation or immediately after.

11:11. AND AFTER THREE DAYS
AND AN HALF THE SPIRIT (or breath) OF LIFE FROM GOD ENTERED INTO THEM,
AND THEY STOOD UPON THEIR FEET; AND GREAT FEAR (or terror) FELL UPON (or
struck) THEM WHICH SAW THEM. Ref Lk 21:26. AT.

11:11. AND
AFTER THREE DAYS AND AN HALF THE SPIRIT (or breath)

OF LIFE FROM GOD ENTERED INTO THEM,
AND THEY STOOD UPON THEIR FEET; AND GREATFEAR
(or terror)FELL UPON (or struck)

THEM WHICH SAW THEM.
As already mentioned, the people of the earth had been giving gifts one
to another and celebrating the death of these two prophets of God. But
now, after three and a half days, the two lifeless bodies of the prophets
stand up. We might speculate that not only will the people standing near
see it, but people around the world may also witness this incredible event
through television. Just imagine the news coverage.

God apparently now enables the multitudes
that witness this event to understand that the Battle of Armageddon is
on the doorsteps and they will shortly die. They may recognize that they
were wrong in taking the mark of the beast and worshiping his image and
that doing so was a form of the unforgivable sin. They might realize they
have been following Satan and not the real God. Terror strikes them. MEN’S
HEARTS FAILING THEM (or will fail them) FOR (or from) FEAR, AND FOR LOOKING
AFTER THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE COMING ON THE EARTH-Lk 21:26. People will
begin to fall over dead from being so terrified.

11:12. AND THEY HEARD A GREAT
(or loud) VOICE FROM HEAVEN SAYING UNTO THEM, COME UP HITHER (or come
up here). AND THEY ASCENDED (or went) UP TO HEAVEN IN A CLOUD; AND THEIR
ENEMIES BEHELD THEM (or while their enemies looked on-NIV). AT.

AND THEYASCENDED (or went)UP TO HEAVEN IN A CLOUD; AND THEIR ENEMIESBEHELDTHEM (or while their enemies looked
on-NIV). It appears a loud voice, which many will be able to hear, will
ring forth. That voice from heaven will say,

COME UP HITHER.
The world looks on in horror, as these two witnesses are raptured or taken
up to heaven; their enemies will actually see this happen. They seemingly
go up into heaven, in a cloud, even as Christ ascended. Their enemies
now may understand that what the two prophets had told them is true. Jesus
is about to return in flaming fire and vengeance against the ungodly.
It may be noted, their ascension seems to occur between the sixth and
seventh trumpet-ref Rev 9:13 and 11:15. This is not to suggest that their
ministry takes place during that short time period, for their ministry
lasts 1260 days.

11:13. AND THE (very) SAME HOUR
WAS THERE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE, AND THE TENTH PART OF THE CITY FELL (or
collapsed), AND IN THE EARTHQUAKE WERE SLAIN (or killed) OF MEN SEVEN
THOUSAND: AND THE REMNANT WERE AFFRIGHTED (or terrified), AND GAVE GLORY
TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN. Ref Rev 12:17; Ro 9:27. AT.

THE SIXTH TRUMPET
(THE SECOND WOE) IS PAST1838-5A-6

11:13. AND
THE (very)

SAME HOUR WAS THERE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE,
AND THE TENTH PART OF THE CITY (of Jerusalem)FELL (or collapsed),

AND IN THE EARTHQUAKEWERE SLAIN (or killed)OF MEN SEVEN THOUSAND. It appears that within minutes of the two
witnesses being raptured, a great earthquake will strike Jerusalem. The
temple of the Antichrist could be one of the structures to crumble. A
tenth of Jerusalem falls, and seven thousand people are killed in the
earthquake. This will only add to people’s fears.

AND THE "REMNANT" (some translate this word "rest")
WERE AFFRIGHTED (or awestruck or terrified),

AND GAVE GLORY TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
Who is this remnant? Some think they are unbelievers that were spared
and gave glory to God, but did not repent. However, would the wicked,
who have committed an unforgivable sin and are doomed to eternal death,
give glory to God at this time and under these circumstances?

The Scriptures show that during the midst
of the Tribulation, Satan goes forth to make war WITH THE "REMNANT"
OF HER SEED (Israel), WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE
TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST-Rev 12:17. It is further written, THOUGH THE
NUMBER OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND OF THE SEA, A "REMNANT"
SHALL BE SAVED-Ro 9:27. Therefore, we presume this to be the remnant that
is giving glory to God, as they understand that Jesus, their Lord and
Savior, is about to return in glory and great power.

THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
(THE THIRD WOE)
THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORDHE SHALL REIGN1839-5A-6

11:14. THE
SECOND WOE IS PAST; AND, BEHOLD, THE THIRD WOE COMETH (or is coming)

QUICKLY.
The sixth trumpet is past or finished. This seems to place the death of
the two prophets between the sixth and seventh trumpets. As already noted,
the sixth trumpet is occurring near the end of the Tribulation, and the
seventh trumpet, being the Battle of Armageddon, is immediately after
the Tribulation of those days. This would further confirm that the death
of the two witnesses is approximately at the end of the Tribulation.

The seventh trumpet now continues from
Rev 10:7.

11:15. AND THE SEVENTH ANGEL
SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet); AND THERE WERE GREAT (or loud) VOICES
IN HEAVEN, SAYING, THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS
OF OUR LORD, AND OF HIS CHRIST (or Messiah); AND HE SHALL REIGN
(or rule) FOR EVER AND EVER. Trumpet 7. A.

11:15. AND THE SEVENTH
ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet);

AND THERE WERE GREAT (or
loud)VOICES IN HEAVEN, SAYING, THE KINGDOMS OF THIS
WORLDARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD,
AND OF HIS CHRIST (or Messiah). The sounding of the seventh trumpet
shows great voices in heaven, heralding the return of Jesus Christ—the
kingdoms of this world now become the kingdoms of Jesus.

AND HE (Jesus) SHALL REIGN
(or rule)FOR EVER AND EVER.
With the return of Jesus at Armageddon, He shall begin to reign and rule
for ever and ever. Once the battle (which lasts one day) is over, there
will be peace on the earth for one thousand years.

11:16. AND THE FOUR AND TWENTY
ELDERS (or 24 elders), WHICH SAT BEFORE GOD ON THEIR SEATS (or who were
seated on their thrones before God-NIV), FELL UPON THEIR FACES, AND WORSHIPED
GOD. H.

11:16. AND THE FOUR AND
TWENTY ELDERS (or 24 elders),

WHICH SAT BEFORE GODON
THEIR SEATS (or who were seated on their thrones before God-NIV),

11:17. SAYING,
WE GIVE THEE THANKS (to You). Next is another description of Jesus,

#27-O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (or Adonai,
God of heaven’s armies-JNT143),WHICH ART (or is),ANDWAST (or was),AND ART TO COME. God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the
Last; He has always been and always shall be. The elders are worshiping
and thanking God,

BECAUSE THOU HAST TAKEN TO THEE THY
GREAT POWER, ANDHASTREIGNED
(or have begun to rule). The twenty-four elders are shown worshiping and
thanking God, because the reign of Jesus Christ is beginning; as it is
written, AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION, AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM, THAT
ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE HIM-Dan 7:14.

11:18. AND THE NATIONS (or Goyim)
WERE ANGRY (or raged), AND THY WRATH (or rage) IS COME, AND THE TIME OF
THE DEAD, THAT THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED, AND THAT THOU SHOULDEST GIVE REWARD
UNTO THY SERVANTS THE PROPH-ETS, AND TO THE SAINTS (or holy people), AND
THEM THAT FEAR THY NAME, (both) SMALL AND GREAT; AND SHOULDEST DESTROY
THEM WHICH DESTROY THE EARTH (or it is also the time for destroying those
who destroy the earth-JNT144). Ref Rev 11:15,17. Rew, A, JN.

THE TEMPLE WAS
OPENED THE ARK OF HIS COVENANT WAS SEEN1840-5A-6

11:18. AND
THE NATIONS (or Goyim)

WERE ANGRY
(or raged),AND THY WRATH (or rage)IS COME. The nations of the world now understand (perhaps, as a
result of the two prophet’s testimony, death, and resurrection) that their
time is now up. Their disobedience, rebellion, blasphemy, and contempt
against God is now at an end. They are enraged. It is written, THE HEATHEN
RAGED, THE KINGDOMS WERE MOVED: HE UTTERED HIS VOICE, THE EARTH MELTED-Ps
46:6. The Lord is filled with righteous anger; as it is written, I HAVE
LONG TIME HOLDEN MY PEACE; I HAVE BEEN STILL, AND REFRAINED MYSELF: NOW
WILL I CRY LIKE A TRAVAILING WOMAN; I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE-Isa
42:14.

The verse continues,AND THE TIME OF THE DEAD, THAT THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED. Some think
this is referring to the great white throne judgment, which will not come
for about one thousand years. Others think it may be referring to the
judgment of the nations that occurs right after Armageddon. The verse
continues,

AND THAT THOU SHOULDEST GIVE REWARD
UNTO THY SERVANTS THE PROPHETS, AND TO THE SAINTS
(or holy people),

AND THEM THAT FEAR THY NAME,
(both)SMALL AND GREAT. The saints return with Jesus-ref Zech 14:5. Rewards
will be given at that time. This is further confirmed in Mt 16:27. Some
rewards will include the position of authority each person will have.

The verse continues,AND SHOULDEST DESTROY THEM WHICH DESTROY THE EARTH (or it is also
the time for destroying those who destroy the earth-JNT144).
It is written, BEHOLD, THE DAY OF THE LORD COMETH, CRUEL BOTH WITH WRATH
AND FIERCE ANGER, TO LAY THE LAND DESOLATE: AND HE SHALL DESTROY THE SINNERS
THEREOF OUT OF IT-Isa 13:9. This is the Battle of Armageddon and the return
of Jesus Christ.

Note the words:

THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME
THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD-11:15

HE SHALL REIGN-11:15

THOU...HAST REIGNED (or have begun
to rule)-11:17

THOU SHOULDEST...DESTROY THEM WHICH
DESTROY THE EARTH-11:18

The seventh trumpet is the return of Jesus
Christ to reign and to destroy those that have destroyed the earth (which
is Armageddon). This occurs immediately after the Tribulation-ref Mt 24:29-31.

11:19. AND
THE TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN, AND THERE WAS SEEN (or appeared)
IN HIS TEMPLE THE ARK OF HIS TESTA-MENT (or covenant): AND THERE WERE
LIGHTNINGS, AND VOICES (or rumblings), AND THUNDERINGS, AND AN EARTHQUAKE,
AND GREAT (or violent) HAIL (or a great hailstorm). H, A.

THE WOMAN BRINGS
FORTHA MAN CHILD1841-5A-6

11:19. AND
THE TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN, AND THERE WAS SEEN (or appeared)

IN HIS TEMPLE THE ARK OF HIS TESTAMENT (or covenant). The covenant God has with Israel may be
seen here. AND THERE WERE LIGHTNINGS, AND VOICES (or rumblings),

AND THUNDERINGS, AND AN EARTHQUAKE,
AND GREAT (or violent)HAIL (or a great hailstorm). Some connect this verse with the seventh
trumpet. Others believe that this verse should be the first verse of chapter
12. Let us consider that this verse is part of the seventh trumpet. As
already pointed out, the seventh trumpet just slightly precedes the seventh
vial of Rev 16:17-21. By reading Rev 11:19, followed by Rev 16:17-21 and
the other verses relating to this same period (Armageddon), it appears
that v.19 is placed correctly in chapter 11.

Rev 12:1-6 covers a considerable expanse
of time. It begins with Israel and the twelve tribes and covers a period
extending into the Tribulation. Israel is the central theme.

12:1. AND THERE APPEARED A GREAT
WONDER (or wondrous sign) IN HEAVEN; A WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN, AND
THE MOON UNDER HER FEET, AND UPON HER HEAD A CROWN OF TWELVE STARS. Ref
Isa 19:20,25; Gen 37:9. P.

12:1. AND
THERE APPEARED A GREAT WONDER (or wondrous sign)

IN HEAVEN, A WOMAN
(which is Israel)CLOTHED WITH THE SUN.
This seems to indicate brilliance. Israel shines forth. Israel is God’s
inheritance-ref Isa 19:25. Israel brought forth the Messiah, Jesus. "Clothed
with the sun" may also represent being clothed with Jesus. During
the Millennium, Jesus shall reign from Jerusalem in Israel.

The verse continues,AND THE MOON UNDER HER FEET.
This suggests dominance; if something is under your feet, you rule over
or control it.
AND UPON HER HEAD A CROWN OF. The crown represents
authority. In this case, the authority is reflected byTWELVE STARS, representing
the twelve tribes of Israel. In this representation, the word star
is used denoting a tribe. It is a magnificent picture God gives us of
this woman. Four primary items, in v.2, are covered: 1) the woman’s clothing,
2) her position, 3) her authority, and 4) her condition. She is clothed
beautifully with the sun. The moon is under her feet. This stunning portrayal
of Israel, shining forth in all her glory, should reach complete fulfillment
during the Millennium.

Note in Gen 37:9-AND HE DREAMED YET ANOTHER
DREAM, AND TOLD IT HIS BRETHREN, AND SAID, BEHOLD, I HAVE DREAMED A DREAM
MORE; AND, BEHOLD, THE SUN AND THE MOON AND THE ELEVEN STARS MADE OBEISANCE
TO ME. This is also Israel. In this verse in Genesis, consider:

Jacob - the sun

Rachel, Jacob’s wife and Joseph’s
mother - the moon

Joseph’s eleven brothers - the eleven
stars

12:2. AND SHE (was pregnant)
BEING WITH CHILD (and) CRIED (or screamed), TRAVAILING IN BIRTH, AND PAINED
(or in the agony of labor-JNT145) TO BE DELIVERED (or as she
was about to give birth-NIV). Ref Isa 66:7,8; Ro 9:4,5. P.

12:2. AND
SHE (the woman - Israel) (was pregnant)

BEING WITH CHILD (and)CRIED (or screamed),TRAVAILING IN BIRTH, AND PAINED
(or in the agony of labor-JNT145)TO BE DELIVERED (or
as she was about to give birth-NIV) (to the Messiah).

Isaiah confirms this, as it is written,
BEFORE SHE (Israel) TRAVAILED, SHE BROUGHT FORTH; BEFORE HER PAIN CAME,
SHE WAS DELIVERED OF A MAN CHILD-Isa 66:7. Also note-ref Ro 9:4,5. The
Roman Catholics have mistakenly confused this woman with Mary. No where
in the Bible is Mary ever pictured as being clothed with the sun, and
the moon under her feet, and having a crown of twelve stars upon her head.
No where is she ever depicted as fulfilling Rev 12:6.

The next verse brings forth a change in
subject.

12:3. AND THERE APPEARED ANOTHER
WONDER (or sign) IN HEAVEN; AND BEHOLD (there was) A GREAT (or enormous)
RED DRAGON, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND SEVEN (royal) CROWNS
UPON HIS HEADS. Ref Rev 13:1; 17:3,9,10,12; Dan 2:40-45; Dan 7:7,20,24.
P.

12:3. AND
THERE APPEARED ANOTHER WONDER (or sign)

IN HEAVEN; ANDBEHOLD (there was)A GREAT (or enormous).
The word "great" suggests importance and power. This was a greatRED DRAGON (which
is Satan). The word "red" may denote that he is a murderer,
a shedder of blood. The blood of multitudes of saints will be shed during
the Tribulation. This term "red dragon" is used only in the
Revelation in reference to Satan. The word "dragon" infers "a
fabulous winged monster, a fierce person," according to the New
Webster’s Dictionary. The word "serpent" is often applied
to Satan, indicating great deceptive powers and also wisdom or being wiser-ref
Mt 10:16.

HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS,
AND SEVEN (royal)CROWNS UPON HIS HEADS.
Again, the number "seven" often refers to completeness. These
may be emblems of his dominion during the Tribulation. When Jesus was
tempted by the devil and was offered ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD-Mt
4:8, He did not dispute the devil’s claim.

The seven heads are seven mountains,
and there are seven kings. These should be covered in
more detail, in Rev 17:3,9,10; 13:1. There is some debate whether
the seven kings apply here.

The ten horns are ten kings or kingdoms
during the Tribulation. These should be covered in more
detail under Rev 17:3,12; Dan 7:7,20,24. They are also represented
by the ten toes of Dan 2:40-
45. The ten horns can also symbolize power.

The seven crowns suggest seven kings,
which may represent seven empires. These are covered in
Rev 17:10. They may also stand for Satan’s authority during the Tribulation.
In Rev 13:1, the description of the beast is nearly identical to the
description of Satan.

Note, the dragon had seven heads, ten
horns, and seven crowns. The seven crowns were upon his heads.

The Antichrist had seven heads, ten horns,
and ten crowns. The ten crowns were upon his horns.

12:4. AND HIS TAIL DREW (or
swept) THE THIRD PART OF THE STARS (out) OF HEAVEN, AND DID CAST (or threw)
THEM (down) TO THE EARTH: AND THE DRAGON STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN WHICH
WAS READY TO BE DELIVERED (or give birth), FOR TO DEVOUR (or so that he
might devour-NIV) HER CHILD AS SOON AS (or the moment) IT WAS BORN. Ref
Mt 2:16-18; Gen 3:15; Isa 66:8. P.

12:4. AND
HIS TAIL (or the tail of Satan)

DREW (or
swept)THE THIRD PARTOF
THESTARS (or angels) (out). In Job 38:7, stars also seem to
denote angels; as it is written, WHEN THE MORNING STARS SANG TOGETHER.
Satan’s tail drew the third part of the angelsOF HEAVEN, AND DID CAST
(or threw)THEM (down)TO THE EARTH:

AND THE DRAGON (who
is Satan)STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN WHICH WAS READYTO BE DELIVERED (or give birth),FOR TO DEVOUR (or
so that he might devour-NIV)HER CHILD AS SOON AS (or
the moment)IT WAS BORN.

Working through Herod, Satan wanted to
destroy Jesus as soon as He was born. It is written, THEN HEROD, WHEN
HE SAW THAT HE WAS MOCKED OF THE WISE MEN, WAS EXCEEDING WROTH, AND SENT
FORTH, AND SLEW ALL THE CHILDREN THAT WERE IN BETHLEHEM, AND IN ALL THE
COASTS THEREOF, FROM TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER, ACCORDING TO THE TIME WHICH
HE HAD DILIGENTLY INQUIRED OF THE WISE MEN. THEN WAS FULFILLED THAT WHICH
WAS SPOKEN BY JEREMY THE PROPHET, SAYING, IN RAMA WAS THERE A VOICE HEARD,
LAMENTATION, AND WEEPING, AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN,
AND WOULD NOT BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT-Mt 2:16-18. This dates
back to Gen 3:15; as it is written, AND I WILL PUT ENMITY BETWEEN THEE
AND THE WOMAN, AND BETWEEN THY SEED AND HER SEED; IT SHALL BRUISE THY
HEAD, AND THOU SHALT BRUISE HIS HEEL.

Israel has had other great travail and
will yet again have more.

Israel greatly travailed in pain to be
reborn into a nation, as approximately six million Jews were slaughtered
during the Holocaust. Afterward came forth the rebirth of Israel. It is
written, WHO HATH HEARD SUCH A THING? WHO HATH SEEN SUCH THINGS? SHALL
THE EARTH BE MADE TO BRING FORTH IN ONE DAY? OR SHALL A NATION BE BORN
AT ONCE? FOR AS SOON AS ZION TRAVAILED, SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER CHILDREN-Isa
66:8.

Israel will also greatly travail in pain
during the Tribulation, as two-thirds of Israel will be cut off and die.
One-third will survive. Then will come forth the glorious Israel, as the
Messiah returns, and Israel becomes the blessed nation; as it is written,
THEIR SINS AND INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE-Heb 10:17.

12:5. AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH
A MAN CHILD (or Son), (the One) WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS WITH A ROD
OF IRON: AND (or but) HER CHILD WAS CAUGHT (or snatched) UP UNTO GOD,
AND TO HIS THRONE. Ref Mic 5:2; Isa 9:6; 53:8; Dan 9:26. P.

THE WOMAN FLED1842-5A-6

12:5. AND
SHE BROUGHT FORTH A MAN CHILD (or Son) (Whose name was Jesus). It
was previously covered, in Isa 66:7, "SHE WAS DELIVERED OF A MAN
CHILD." The One

WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS.
This will take place during the Millennium. Jesus was to ruleWITH A ROD OF IRON
(or iron scepter). Jesus will deal with sin severely. The rule of Jesus
will be supreme. Justice will prevail. He is the Lord of lords and the
King of kings.

Regarding Jesus ruling in Israel, it is
written, BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE
THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS
TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM
EVERLASTING-Mic 5:2. FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN:
AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER-Isa 9:6.

AND (or
but)HER CHILD—Jesus was
crucified, but rose from the dead—andWAS CAUGHT (or snatched)UP UNTO GOD, AND TO HIS THRONE.
HE WAS CUT OFF OUT OF THE LAND OF THE LIVING-Isa 53:8. The Messiah was
cut off-ref Dan 9:26. Jesus, at this time, sits
at the right hand of God the Father.

Between verses 5 and 6, there is a large
gap in time, extending from the ascension of Jesus to be with His Father
in heaven, to the time Israel will see the abomination of desolation.
In both cases, it should be noted that the Scriptures are dealing with
Israel; the era of the church is omitted.

Through these verses, we see Satan opposing
Israel and Satan opposing the Messiah.

12:6. AND
THE WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS (or desert), WHERE SHE HATH A PLACE
PREPARED OF GOD, THAT THEY SHOULD FEED HER (or so that she can be taken
care of-JNT146) THERE A THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE
DAYS (or 1260 days). Ref Rev 12:14-17; Mt 24:15-21; Mk 13:14-19; Ezek
20:35; Zech 13:8,9. TM, T2.

THE DRAGON CAST OUT1843-5A-6

12:6. During
approximately the midst of the Tribulation,

THE WOMAN
(which is Israel) FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS (or desert),WHERE SHE HATH A PLACE PREPARED OFGOD, THAT THEY SHOULD FEED HER (or so that she
can be taken care of-JNT146)THERE A THOUSANDTWO
HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS (or 1260 days). Try reading this verse
between verses 13 and 14.

Satan is cast to the earth. The abomination
of desolation occurs. The born-again Jews (or remnant, or elect) must
flee for their lives, from a furious Satan, to a place that God has prepared
for them. God will take care of His elect for 1260 days. The Bible does
not specify where they will flee; however, many Bible scholars have theorized
they will flee to Petra. The 1260 days mentioned here is the second part
of the Tribulation, which is also 42 months or 3 ˝ years. This is called
the "Great Tribulation."

It is written, WHEN YE THEREFORE SHALL
SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, SPOKEN OF BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, STAND
IN THE HOLY PLACE, (WHOSO READETH, LET HIM UNDERSTAND:) THEN LET THEM
WHICH BE IN JUDAEA FLEE INTO THE MOUNTAINS: LET HIM WHICH IS ON THE HOUSETOP
NOT COME DOWN TO TAKE ANY THING OUT OF HIS HOUSE: NEITHER LET HIM WHICH
IS IN THE FIELD RETURN BACK TO TAKE HIS CLOTHES. FOR THEN SHALL BE GREAT
TRIBULATION, SUCH AS WAS NOT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO THIS
TIME, NO, NOR EVER SHALL BE-Mt 24:15-18,21; ref Mk 13:14-19; Ezek 20:35.

Zech 13:8,9 shows that THE THIRD SHALL
BE LEFT THEREIN, again confirming the number that will escape will be
one-third of Israel.

12:7. AND THERE WAS WAR (or
a battle) IN HEAVEN: MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST THE DRAGON;
AND THE DRAGON FOUGHT (back) AND HIS ANGELS. (Michael)-ref Dan 10:13,14,20;
Dan 12:1; Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16. H, T1, TM.

12:7. AND
THERE WAS WAR (or a battle) IN HEAVEN. There
is a war going on inside each of us. It is a spiritual conflict. There
will be war in heaven, also. When the war began is not stated; however,
it should reach its climax at approximately the midst of the Tribulation.

MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST
THE DRAGON (which is Satan);AND THE DRAGON FOUGHT
(back)AND (or with)HIS ANGELS. Note, Satan
has angels that follow him.

The angel, Michael, is described
as ONE OF THE CHIEF PRINCES. He came to assist Daniel and to help him
know certain things-ref Dan 10:13,14; also note Dan 10:20. Michael is
THE GREAT PRINCE WHICH STANDETH FOR THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE (Israel)-Dan
12:1. Michael is called THE ARCHANGEL. When he contended WITH THE DEVIL
HE DISPUTED ABOUT THE BODY OF MOSES, but he did not BRING AGAINST HIM
A RAILING ACCUSATION, BUT SAID, THE LORD REBUKE THEE-Jude 9. In the Revelation,
Michael is shown to have angels. He fought against Satan and his angels
and won—Hallelujah! Apparently, he will be present at the Rapture-ref
1 Thes 4:16. Michael means "Who is like God?"

(A List of Some of Satan's
So-called Victories and His Defeats)1844-5A-6

Satan means adversary
or oppressor

Lucifer means light bearer

Devil means slanderer

Satan was the anointed cherub-ref
Ezek 28:14

Satan had great wisdom, beauty, and
authority

Satan is the prince of the power of
the air-ref Eph 2:2

Satan is the god of this world-ref
2 Cor 4:4

Satan deceived Eve

Satan has caused the whole world to
be deceived

Satan tried to deceive Jesus

Satan enters certain individuals

Satan crucified Jesus

Satan has persecuted, hindered, and
massacred millions of Christians

Satan slaughtered millions of Jews
during World War II

Satan successfully causes billions
of people to be deceived and perish to hell

Satan still has great authority and
is only limited by what the Word of God decrees

Satan has far more followers than
Jesus does-ref Gal 4:27; Mt 7:14

Satan empowers the Antichrist

Satan fought against Michael and his
angels

Satan empowers the false prophet

Satan kills Christians during the
Tribulation

Satan causes people to take the mark
of the beast and to worship the image of the beast

Satan fights at Armageddon

Satan will be let out of his prison
after the Millennium

Satan causes one last rebellion after
the Millennium

(However)

The serpent was cursed after the deception
of Eve

Satan was defeated at the resurrection
of Jesus

Satan will be defeated by Michael
and his angels

Satan will be defeated at Armageddon

Satan will ultimately be cast into
the eternal lake of fire

12:8. AND PREVAILED NOT (or
he was not strong enough-NIV) (to win); NEITHER WAS THEIR PLACE FOUND
ANY MORE IN HEAVEN (or they lost their place in heaven-NIV). Ref Job 1:6,7;
Rev 12:10 NIV. H, T1, TM.

12:8. AND
(Satan)

PREVAILED NOT
(or he was not strong enough-NIV) (to win);

NEITHER WASTHEIR PLACE FOUND ANY MORE IN HEAVEN (or they lost their place
in heaven-NIV). Satan's access to heaven is now and forever cut off. Up
to this time, Satan has had access to heaven; as it is written, NOW THERE
WAS A DAY WHEN THE SONS OF GOD CAME TO PRESENT THEMSELVES BEFORE THE LORD,
AND SATAN CAME ALSO AMONG THEM. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, WHENCE COMEST
THOU? THEN SATAN ANSWERED THE LORD, AND SAID, FROM GOING TO AND FRO IN
THE EARTH, AND FROM WALKING UP AND DOWN IN IT-Job 1:6,7. Also it is written,
THE ACCUSER OF OUR BROTHERS, WHO ACCUSES THEM BEFORE OUR GOD DAY AND NIGHT,
HAS BEEN HURLED DOWN-Rev 12:10 NIV.

Verse 9 also covers spiritual warfare and deception.

12:9. AND THE GREAT DRAGON WAS
CAST (or thrown) OUT (or down), THAT OLD (or ancient) SERPENT, (also)
CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN (or the Adversary), WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE
WORLD (or who leads the whole world astray-NIV): HE WAS CAST (or hurled)
OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM. Ref 1 Pe 5:8;
Rev 9:1; Lk 10:18. TM. (Note, try reading this verse and then continue
on to the "woe to" in v.12.) Ref Lk 10:18. TM.

REJOICING IN HEAVEN1846-5A-6

12:9. AND
THE GREAT DRAGON (which is Satan)

WAS CAST
(or thrown)OUT (or down),THAT OLD (or ancient)SERPENT, (also)CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN (or the Adversary),WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD
(or who leads the whole world astray-NIV). At this time, Rev 9:1 may take
place, which is A STAR FALL FROM HEAVEN. Jesus said, I BEHELD SATAN AS
LIGHTNING FALL FROM HEAVEN-Lk 10:18.

It is very common to hear spiritually
illiterate people make foolish remarks, such as, "There is no devil."
Others may say, "Satan cannot deceive me." Such statements show
they do not know, understand, or believe God's Word and they are already
deceived.

During the Millennium, wars will cease.
Sin running rampant, as it is today, will cease. This is not to say there
will be no sin, but the rebellion and unbelief of today will decrease
drastically. Satan will be cast in the pit and have a seal placed upon
him, so he can deceive the nations no longer-ref Rev 20:3. After the thousand
years are fulfilled, however, Satan will be let loose and, once again,
rebellion and war will take place, as Satan goes forth to deceive the
nations-ref Rev 20:8.

Many do not take God's advice seriously.
They fall from their steadfastness in Christ. Some make very misleading
comments, such as, "I can stamp Satan under my feet." It is
written, 1 Pe 5:8, BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL,
AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. Satan's
powers of deception are great. His ability to stir up our emotions can
be overwhelming. He understands men's desires; he knows our weaknesses.
The devil knows how to tempt us at our weakest points. He fills our mind
with lying thoughts and convinces us that they are our own; often we believe
the thoughts are true. The adversary causes us to be persecuted; he hinders
us in many ways. The list can go on and on. Beware. Do not make the fatal
mistake of underestimating the devil. The Tribulation is an example of
Satan's power to perform lying signs and wonders, deceiving the nations.
The wars and hatred that are presently in this world are further examples
of his powerful deceptions. The Bible shows these things clearly, yet
Satan has the power to blind the minds of many. As a result, they do not
believe the very written words of God Almighty. Again, take heed and beware
(Laodicean).

Consider the following:
Eph 6:10-18 covers how to fight against the devil.
2 Tim 2:25,26-covers people being snared by the devil and taken captive
at his will.
1 Tim 5:15-covers those that have turned aside to follow Satan.
Rev 20:8,10-covers Satan going out to deceive the nations.
Rev 19:20-covers the Antichrist and false prophet that wrought miracles
and deceived people.

(Understand Spiritual
Warfare)1845-5A-6

Verse 9 continues, HE WAS CAST (or hurled)
OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM. Try reading
this verse between Rev 12:12 and 13. Satan lost the war against Michael
and his angels. He and his angels were cast out of heaven.

Regarding Satan:

v.7, 8-THE DRAGON...NEITHER WAS THEIR
PLACE FOUND ANY MORE IN HEAVEN.

v.9-THE...DRAGON...WAS CAST OUT.

v.9-HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH.

v.9-HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH
HIM.

v.10-THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN IS
CAST DOWN.

v.12-WOE TO THE...EARTH…THE DEVIL
IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU.

v.13-THE DRAGON SAW THAT HE WAS CAST
UNTO THE EARTH.

12:10. AND I HEARD A LOUD VOICE
SAYING IN HEAVEN, NOW IS COME SALVATION (or God's victory), AND STRENGTH
(or power), AND THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD (or kingship), AND THE POWER (or
authority) OF HIS CHRIST (or Messiah): FOR THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN
(or brothers) IS CAST (or thrown, or hurled) DOWN, WHICH ACCUSED THEM
BEFORE OUR GOD DAY AND NIGHT. Ref 1 Jn 2:2; Ro 8:1,2; Ro 5:9. H, TM.

12:10. AND
I HEARD A LOUD VOICE SAYING IN HEAVEN, NOW IS COME SALVATION (or God's
victory),

AND STRENGTH
(or power),AND THE KINGDOM OF OURGOD (or kingship),AND THE POWER (or
authority)OF HIS CHRIST (or
Messiah):

FOR THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN (or brothers)IS CAST (or thrown,
or hurled)DOWN. Verses 10-12
are heavenly scenes. The saints in heaven are rejoicing—Satan has, once
and for all, been cast out of heaven at approximately the midst of the
Tribulation. This gives us the timing of these three verses.

The verse continues,WHICH ACCUSED THEM BEFORE OUR GOD DAY AND NIGHT.
Satan had accused the brethren before God day and night. Throughout the
ages, saints have undergone the slander and abusive accusations of the
devil; however, Jesus our High Priest sits at the right hand of God, making
intercession for the saints. Because of faith in Jesus and through His
blood, no accusation against the saints can reach God the Father. Jesus
is the propitiation for their sins; as it is written, AND HE IS THE PROPITIATION
FOR OUR SINS: AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY, BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE
WORLD-1 Jn 2:2. THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE
IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. FOR
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE
LAW OF SIN AND DEATH-Ro 8:1,2. The saints are justified by the blood of
the Lamb-ref Ro 5:9.

12:11. AND THEY OVERCAME (or
defeated) HIM BY (or because of) THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND BY (or because
of) THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY (or message of their witness); AND THEY
LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH (or even when facing death they did
not cling to life-JNT147) (or they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death-NIV). Ref Phili 1:21. H, TM.

12:11. AND
THEY (the saints)

OVERCAME
(or defeated)HIM (which is Satan).
In our walk with Jesus, we are called to be obedient and never deny Him.
We are to overcome all things, even the threat of going without food,
losing our job, and being killed for our faith in Jesus Christ. These
and many other things are brought against the Christian by the devil,
because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Through overcoming, our faith is
proven genuine. During the Tribulation, most saints will have to choose
between taking the mark of the beast or not being able to buy and sell.
They will have to make a choice between worshiping the image of the beast
or being beheaded. They may have had faith in Jesus, been baptized, and
confessed Him as their Savior; nevertheless, if their faith fails and
they take that mark and worship the image, they will perish for eternity.

(The Blood’s Significance)1847-5A-6

The verse continues, they overcame him

BY (or
because of)

THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
The significance of the blood is best described by God's Word:

BLOOD-Eateth My flesh, and
drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him-Jn 6:56

BLOOD-Making peace through
the blood of the cross- ref Col 1:20

BLOOD-Purge your conscience-Heb
9:14

They also overcame BY (or because of)
THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY (or message of their witness). No matter what
came against these saints, they would not shrink back from their faithfulness
in obeying God and their testimony of Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Even if their children were taken from them and tortured; even if their
children might go hungry; even if they were slandered, tortured, and ridiculed;
or even if they were killed, they would not turn from obeying God and
from their testimony of Jesus. Are there many with this kind of faith
in this Laodicean church age?

AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO
THE DEATH (or even when facing death they did
not cling to life-JNT147) (or they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death-NIV). The lukewarm faith of the Laodicean
church is not sufficient. We need to understand Phili 1:21-FOR TO ME TO
LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN. Many saints were martyred in the first
part of the Tribulation. The second part of the Tribulation will see the
greatest massacre of saints in the history of the world.

12:12. THEREFORE
REJOICE, YE HEAVENS, AND YE THAT DWELL (or live) IN THEM. (But) WOE TO
THE INHABITERS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE SEA! FOR THE DEVIL (or the Adversary)
IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH (or he is very angry), BECAUSE
HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME (or he knows that his time is
short!-JNT148). Ref Mt 8:29. H, TM.

THE DRAGON
PERSECUTES WOMAN1848-5A-6

12:12. THEREFORE
REJOICE, YE HEAVENS, AND YE THAT DWELL (or live)

INTHEM.
There is rejoicing, because Satan has been cast down.

Verse 12 now continues with the same thought
as v.9.
(But)WOE TO THEINHABITERS
OF THE EARTH AND OF THE SEA! FOR THE DEVIL (or the Adversary)ISCOME DOWN UNTO
YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH (or he is very angry),

BECAUSE HEKNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME (or he knows that his time
is short!-JNT148). God is giving the inhabitants of the earth
and the sea a very grim warning—"Woe!" This is because the devil
has been cast out of heaven. It appears he is now confined to the earth.
He is very angry. He might be compared to a raging, wild animal with enormous
power. He goes forth in great fury to destroy anyone that follows Jesus
and rejects the Antichrist. Once Satan is cast down, he then understands
that he has a short time left. That short time is approximately 42 months.
Apparently, he understands that, at this point, his imprisonment in the
pit is only about 1260 days away. The demons also seem to know their allotted
time, as they asked Jesus, ART THOU COME HITHER TO TORMENT US BEFORE THE
TIME?-Mt 8:29. The greatest slaughter of Christians in history is about
to begin.

12:13. AND WHEN THE DRAGON SAW
THAT HE WAS CAST (or hurled) UNTO THE EARTH, HE PERSECUTED THE WOMAN (or
pursued the woman) WHICH BROUGHT FORTH THE MAN CHILD. TM.

12:13. AND
WHEN THE DRAGON (which is Satan)

SAW THAT HE WAS CAST
(or hurled)UNTO THE EARTH, HE PERSECUTED THE WOMAN (or pursued the woman)WHICH BROUGHT FORTH THE MAN CHILD (which is Jesus). Satan pursues and persecutes Israel.

12:14. AND TO THE WOMAN WERE
GIVEN TWO WINGS OF A GREAT EAGLE, THAT SHE MIGHT FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS,
INTO HER PLACE (in the desert), WHERE SHE IS NOURISHED (or taken care
of) FOR A TIME, AND TIMES, AND HALF A TIME (or for a season and two seasons
and half a season-JNT149), FROM THE FACE (or presence) OF THE
SERPENT (or out of the serpent's reach-NIV). Ref Mt 24:15. TM.

12:14. At
approximately the midst of the Tribulation, the abomination of desolation
will occur. Israel is commanded to flee fast.

AND TO THE WOMAN WERE GIVEN TWO WINGS
OF A GREAT EAGLE, THAT SHE MIGHT FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS, INTO HER PLACE (in the desert). The wings of a great eagle symbolize
something large and swift. In some manner, God is going to enable those
of Israel that keep His commandments to quickly escape or even fly to
the place He has for her. When Israel was escaping from Egypt, God said,
in Ex 19:4-YE HAVE SEEN WHAT I DID UNTO THE EGYPTIANS, AND HOW I BARE
YOU ON EAGLES' WINGS, AND BROUGHT YOU UNTO MYSELF. It appears that the
"TWO WINGS OF A GREAT EAGLE" are used to symbolize the fast
and safe flight of Israel into the wilderness.

Through God's divine intervention, those
that have the testimony of Jesus Christ will sense or somehow know which
direction to go. They will be forewarned by God's Word when to flee; as
it is written, Mt 24:15-WHOSO READETH, LET HIM UNDERSTAND.

Thus, Israel flees to her place,WHERE SHE IS NOURISHED
(or taken care of)FOR A TIME, AND TIMES, AND HALF A TIME (or for a season and two seasons and half a season-JNT149),

FROMTHE
FACE OF THE SERPENT (or out of the serpent's reach-NIV). The word
"time" means one year, "times" means two years, and
"half a time" means one-half of a year. Thus, 1 year + 2 years
+ 1/2 a year = 3 1/2 years. Three terms are used interchangeably in the
Scriptures, denoting the last part of the Tribulation. These are 3 ˝ years,
1260 days, and 42 months.

12:15. AND THE SERPENT CAST
(or spewed) OUT OF HIS MOUTH WATER AS A FLOOD (or river) AFTER (or to
overtake) THE WOMAN, THAT HE MIGHT CAUSE HER TO BE CARRIED (or sweep her)
AWAY OF THE FLOOD (or torrent). TM.

12:15. As
Israel is fleeing for her life,

THE SERPENT
(which is Satan)CAST (or spewed)OUTOF HIS MOUTH
WATER AS A FLOOD (or river)AFTER (or to overtake)THE WOMAN, THAT HE MIGHT CAUSE HER TO BE CARRIED (or sweep her)AWAY OF THE FLOOD
(or torrent). Water is mentioned, and then a flood is mentioned twice.
How it comes forth is also stated. The flood and water here are not believed
to be symbolic, but an actual flood of water. Satan speaks the words that
a flood of water should come forth to swallow up and drown those fleeing
from Israel. This is what is meant when it states that Satan should cast
out of his mouth water. It is even as Elijah called down fire from heaven.
The words came out of his mouth, and the fire came down.

We can expect there will be an army also
trying to catch the fleeing Jews, which will be close behind them. Those
that disobeyed God and did not flee, at once, can expect to be caught.

12:16. AND THE EARTH HELPED THE
WOMAN (or the land came to her rescue-JNT150), AND THE EARTH
OPENED HER MOUTH, AND SWAL-LOWED UP THE FLOOD (or river) WHICH THE DRAGON
CAST (or spewed) OUT OF HIS MOUTH. TM.

12:16. AND
THE EARTH HELPEDTHE WOMAN (or the land came to her rescue-JNT150),

AND THE EARTH OPENED HER MOUTH, AND
SWALLOWED UP THE FLOOD (or river)WHICH THE DRAGON (or
Satan)CAST (or spewed)OUT OF HIS MOUTH. Satan
caused a flood of water to come forth in an attempt to drown the fleeing
Israel. However, as the water was approaching them, the earth opened up,
and the flood of water went down into the earth (or was swallowed up).
Thus, the remnant of Israel that obeyed God and fled, escapes to the place
where they will be under God’s protection for the last 1260 days.

Some believe the place they will flee
to is Petra, which is located in Jordan. It is a fortress that was built
(or carved) into the rock cliffs. There is a narrow entrance that opens
up into a large canyon. Reportedly, the height of the cliffs (or sides)
range from 200 to 1000 feet, and the length is approximately 2 miles long.

Some believe the flood that will be sent
to carry them away is from the Jordan River, which is east of Jerusalem.
The country of Jordan lies on the other side. Scriptures do seem to indicate
that this is possible; however, Petra is not specifically mentioned as
the place that God will lead them to. Only the Lord knows for sure.